Should You Reload Your Own Ammunition? A Deep Dive into the Pros, Cons, Costs, and Considerations

By Derrick R. Stallings – HuntingOfficer.com

Reloading your own ammunition is a subject that has long sparked interest among shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive marksmen alike. For some, it’s a way to save money; for others, it’s a hobby, a form of precision art, or a method to fine-tune performance to exact specifications. But is it right for you? Like many things in the firearms world, the answer depends on your goals, resources, and level of commitment. In this blog, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about reloading: the benefits, drawbacks, associated costs, equipment needed, and the all-important issue of safety.

What is Reloading?

Reloading, or handloading, is the process of assembling your own ammunition by reusing spent cartridge cases and combining them with new primers, powder, and projectiles (bullets). It allows shooters to create custom loads tailored to their firearm’s specifications and their personal needs, whether for hunting, target shooting, or self-defense.

What You Need to Reload Ammunition

Reloading ammo isn’t as simple as tossing a few parts together—it requires an understanding of ballistic science, a well-organized workspace, and some specialized equipment. Here’s a basic list of the essentials:

1. Reloading Press – This is the backbone of your setup. There are single-stage presses (good for beginners), turret presses (faster and slightly more complex), and progressive presses (ideal for high-volume reloaders).
2. Dies – These are caliber-specific tools used for resizing, decapping, seating bullets, and crimping cases.
3. Scale – To measure powder charges accurately. A digital or balance-beam scale is critical.
4. Powder Measure or Dispenser – Ensures consistent powder delivery.
5. Case Tumbler or Cleaner – Used to clean spent brass cases before reloading.
6. Calipers – Measure overall cartridge length to ensure accuracy and safety.
7. Reloading Manual – Think of this as your reloading bible. It includes recipes, powder loads, and safety data.
8. Priming Tool – Used to insert new primers into cleaned brass cases.
9. Case Trimmer and Deburring Tool – Trims brass to proper length and removes burrs after resizing.

Depending on the complexity and brand of equipment, a beginner could spend anywhere from $300 to over $1,000 on a full setup.

Cost Considerations: Is Reloading Cheaper?

One of the biggest reasons people get into reloading is to save money. But is it truly cost-effective?

The answer is: yes, but not immediately. Reloading is a long-term investment. Upfront costs can be high, especially if you go beyond a barebones setup. However, over time, especially if you shoot regularly or load hard-to-find calibers, savings can add up significantly.

Let’s break it down using 9mm Luger as an example:

• Factory Ammo Cost: ~$0.25–$0.35 per round (mid-range quality)
• Reloaded Ammo Cost:
  • Bullet: $0.09
  • Primer: $0.04
  • Powder: $0.03
  • Case: $0 (reused)
  • Total per round: ~$0.16

That’s about a 35–50% savings per round, and the savings can be even more dramatic with larger or specialized calibers like .308 Winchester, .45-70 Government, or .338 Lapua Magnum. For avid shooters, especially competition shooters who burn through hundreds or thousands of rounds a month, the savings can be enormous over time.

Pros of Reloading Ammunition

1. Cost Savings (Eventually): As shown above, reloaders can save a significant amount of money in the long run, particularly with bulk loading and reused brass.

2. Custom Loads: Reloaders can fine-tune their loads for accuracy, recoil, or power. Hunters, for example, might want a specific bullet type and velocity for optimal terminal performance.

3. Ammo Availability: During ammo shortages, reloaders often continue shooting while others scour shelves in vain. If you stock components, you can ride out market disruptions.

4. Performance Tuning: Competitive shooters often load rounds with precise powder charges and bullet seating depths to maximize accuracy. Some guns “prefer” certain loads, and reloading lets you find the perfect match.

5. Hobby Enjoyment: Many shooters enjoy the process. It’s methodical, hands-on, and can be deeply satisfying. Like tying flies for fly fishing or tuning a car engine, reloading can be as much a part of the hobby as shooting itself.

Cons of Reloading Ammunition

1. Time-Consuming: Reloading isn’t fast, especially with single-stage presses. Beginners can expect to spend several hours to reload a couple hundred rounds. Speed increases with experience and equipment upgrades, but it’s not instantaneous.

2. Upfront Cost: The initial investment in tools and components can be steep, especially if you’re aiming for higher-end gear. It takes time to recoup those costs in savings.

3. Learning Curve: There’s a lot to learn: case prep, powder measurement, crimping, and safe load development. Mistakes can be dangerous.

4. Space and Organization Needs: You need a clean, well-lit, ventilated workspace with storage for components and tools. Not everyone has the extra room.

5. Component Availability: While you might avoid commercial ammo shortages, primers and powder often become scarce in the same cycles. Reloaders still need to shop ahead and keep a steady inventory.

The Safety Aspect

Reloading is safe when done correctly, but safety is non-negotiable. Improper loads, such as too much powder, wrong powder types, or improper bullet seating, can result in catastrophic firearm failure, causing injury or even death.

Key safety rules include:

• Double-Check Every Step: Always verify your powder type and charge weight.
• Use a Reliable Manual: Load data from powder manufacturers and reloading manuals is essential. Never guess or copy questionable online recipes.
• Inspect Your Cases: Cracks, bulges, or loose primer pockets are signs a case should be retired.
• Stay Focused: No distractions while reloading. Mixing up powder types or double-charging a case can be deadly.
• Store Components Safely: Keep powder in original containers and away from heat or open flames. Primers should be stored in cool, dry areas.

Conclusion: Should You Reload Your Ammo?

Reloading is a rewarding, cost-effective, and precision-oriented activity—but it’s not for everyone. If you’re a casual shooter who only burns through a couple hundred rounds a year, it may not be worth the investment. But for the avid shooter, competitive marksman, or meticulous hunter, reloading offers control, customization, and cost savings that factory ammo simply can’t match.

If you enjoy working with your hands, learning technical skills, and spending quiet time crafting something with real-world results, reloading may become more than just a money-saving endeavor—it could become one of your favorite parts of shooting. Just remember: approach it with patience, respect the process, and always prioritize safety.